FASCIA
"THE ORGAN OF SUPPORT”

Dr. Ida P. Rolf, the originator of Structural Integration bodywork, called fascia the "organ of support", and the “organ of structure”. Fascia is the amazingly strong and versatile connective tissue of the body. It is relegated into a variety of systems and functions depending upon the job it is designed to do within the body. The Structural Balancing Workshops focuses primarily on the "irregular fascial system". This type of fascia appears in the body much like a three-dimensional web-like structure with inter-relating sheets, hammock-like support structures and muscle wrappings that hold and connect the body together under the skin. Fascia is unique in that not only does it enwrap and compartmentalize muscle, it literally invests itself into muscle similarly to tree roots investing themselves into the earth. This combination of muscle and fascia is called "myofascia".

The fascial web-like network is all pervasive. If one were to remove everything from the body except the fascial network, one would still be able to distinguish the height, size and physical characteristics of an individual. This shows how all-pervasive fascia is in the human body and helps makes sense of Dr. Rolf's statement.

As much as fascia is a gift to the human body, it can also be a curse. When this naturally moist, elastic, strong tissue is subjected to prolonged stress, (physical, mental and/or emotional), it dehydrates and shortens much like a piece of drying wet leather, literally gluing itself to any neighboring fascial structures. This shortening action pulls muscle attachments closer together, causing compressions and rotations within the body. When one body segment is pulled out of balance in relation to the whole, other body segments must compensate to approximate the once balanced system. As this process is repeated throughout the entire body, the outcome over time is limited range-of-motion, stress, aches, and pains, all resulting in diminished quality of life. fr
 
Tucker W Sharp,
Structural Integration Practitioner/Teacher
350 17th Street #208
Costa Mesa, Ca. 92627
714.321.8190